CE
Compliance Engineering
search
Join Our Discussions
Find Suppliers Useful Links
calendar
Click
here for information on advertisers and products!
About CE-Mag
Free Subscriptions
Current Issue
Article Archives
ESD Help
Mr. Static
Web Gallery
Staff Info
Contact us

 

 

 

RESOURCES

The Latest in Compliance Engineering Products and Services

Multicavity Shield

A second-generation multicavity shield has a footprint area that is 25–65% less than that of individual shields. The extra space between individual shields is now eliminated. The cavity-to-cavity distance is reduced to 0.1 in., which in turn reduces circuit lengths. The interior walls of the knife-edge blade fence have 100% fence-to-board solder connections, with no apertures between cavities. Beryllium copper gaskets seal each interior wall to the cover, providing good multigigahertz shielding. The modular fence-and-cover technology allows for a variety of off-the-shelf modifications without expensive tooling. Modifications include dimples, locking dimples, ventilation holes, notches, special shapes, and locating pins. Various raw materials and plating finishes are available for the circuit-board shield. Leader Tech Inc., Tampa, FL, tel: 813-855-6921; fax: 813-855-3291; e-mail: sales@leadertechinc.com; Internet: http://www.leadertechinc.com.

Chip Capacitor

A new surface-mount aluminum electrolytic capacitor eliminates electrolytic leakage. Sealed in a plastic case with epoxy resin, the PetitCap provides long life and low impedance characteristics. It is a suitable replacement for SMD tantalum capacitors or V-chip electrolytics. A patented manufacturing process reduces volume by up to 50% and provides a lower profile than was previously possible with aluminum electrolytic capacitors. At 2.5 mm high, the low profile is designed to accommodate tight-fitting packaging constraints. The capacitor's reflow soldering profile matches common electronic components, thereby eliminating special reflow considerations normally associated with electrolytic capacitors. It is available in capacitance values of 1–470 µF with rated voltage from 4 to 50 V dc and operating temperatures of 85° and 105°C. Okaya Electric America Inc., Valparaiso, IN, tel: 800-852-0122; fax: 219-477-4856, e-mail: sales@okaya.com; Internet: http://www.okaya.com.

High-Flux-Density Ferrite

A new ferrite material is designed for high-flux-density applications. The new material, 3C92, is primarily intended for output chokes in power supplies. The energy storage value of a choke is proportional to the square of peak flux density and determines the core volume required, which is critical when space is limited. Compared with the general-purpose power material 3C94, the new material has an increased Curie temperature that provides a higher saturation flux density than 3C94. The difference increases with temperature. Losses are the same as for 3C94, which makes 3C92 suitable for high-flux-density transformers as well. The graph shows a comparison of the current-carrying capabilities of both materials. The magnetic field strength H is proportional to the current I, and the effective permeability µe is proportional to the inductance. All curves were measured on gapped toroids with the same µe value. In the falloff region, 3C92 gains about 25% on 3C94. The new material is available in many standard power-core shapes. Ferroxcube USA Inc., El Paso, TX, e-mail: salesusa @ferroxcube.com; Internet: http://
www.ferroxcube.com.

Product Development Kit

A product development kit includes samples of hybrid gate drivers, dc-dc convertors, a prototype printed circuit board, and technical literature recommending necessary parts to complete an insulated-gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) gate drive circuit. The BG1A is a fully isolated gate drive circuit board suitable for use with high-current single-IGBT modules, whereas the BG2B is suitable for dual-IGBT modules. Powerex, Youngwood, PA; tel: 724-925-7272; fax: 724-925-4393; Internet: http://www. pwrx.com.

CompactPCI System

A NEBS-ready CompactPCI system is available for telecom applications. The Schroff Pro Series 9U/8-slot system is compatible with IEEE 1101.10, IEEE 1101.11, and CompactPCI. From the front, the system accepts eight 6U ¥ 160-mm cards in addition to an 8HP cpu. It also accepts eight 6U ¥ 80-mm rear transition cards. The system includes a 350-W pluggable power supply and EMC shielding. Pentair Electronic Packaging, Warwick, RI, tel: 888-550-9543; e-mail: info@pentair-ep.com; Internet: http://
www.schroffus.com.

Point-of-Load Convertors

The SIL10 series of dc-dc convertors are suitable for use in telecommunications and data communications. The nonisolated point-of-load convertors offer 95% conversion efficiency and 107-W/ cu in. power density. The 10-A convertors are intended for use with standard 3.3- and 5.0-V onboard bus levels. The units, including the magnetic devices, are constructed entirely from surface-mount components. The convertors are EN 60950 and UL/cUL 60950 approved, and the radiated emissions meet the EN 55022 Level A standard. Artesyn Technologies Inc., Eden Prairie, MN; tel: 952-392-6538; fax: 952-392-6677; e-mail: karen.scheldroup@artesyn.com; Internet: http://www.artesyn.com.

EMI Receiver

A new EMI receiver offers an extended frequency range of 9 kHz to 18 GHz. Compliant with CISPR 16 Part 1, the SMR4518 is suitable for military and automotive standards testing, as well as commercial EMC testing, The receiver provides a measurement accuracy of <1.5 dB for the 9 kHz to 1005 MHz range. It provides <2.0 dB for 1005 MHz to 2.75 GHz. Accuracy is <2.5 dB for 2.75 to 18 GHz. Preselection and autoranging provide overranging protection on pulse measurement. Sensitivity is increased with a preamplifier behind preselection, combined with the instrument's low overall noise figure. This sensitivity enables accurate measurement of signals from –26 to 137 dBµV. Schaffner EMC Inc., Edison, NJ; tel: 732-225-9533; fax: 732-225-4789; e-mail: jparnell@ schaffner.com; Internet:http://www. schaffner.com.

Relay

A generator relay provides utility-grade protection and control of electrical generators. The SEL-300G relay uses the Modbus communications protocol to provide information for monitoring and control of electrical system equipment. The protection elements in the relay are complementary to those found in existing electromechanical and analog relay designs. Digital technology enables additional functions such as oscillography and sequence-of-events reporting. SEL Industrial Solutions Group, tel: 615-507-2184; fax 615-507-2188; Internet http://www. selindustrial. com or http://www.selinc.com.

Lead-Free Fuse

The 466-series of the SlimLine fuse family uses no lead in the external terminations or internal fusing element. The fuse can withstand the 260°C required by lead-free wave soldering and reflow soldering. The changes allow end-product manufacturers to comply with worldwide lead-free initiatives such as the European Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment and the Japanese Electronics Industry Development Association lead-free product roadmap. Fuses are offered in a 1206-size surface-mount device package with current ratings up to 7 A. Littelfuse Inc., Des Plaines, IL; tel: 847-824-1188; fax: 847-391-0894; Internet: http://www. littelfuse.com.

Surface-Mount Chip Inductors

The GLTZ series of small chip inductors measure 0.5 ¥ 0.25 ¥ 0.25 mm in the 0201 size. The epoxy-encapsulated inductors are made by laser cutting a helix in copper that has been deposited on an alumina core. The terminals are nickel plated with a solder coat. Inductance values range from 1.0 to 22 nH in 17 models. The series features high Q at microwave frequencies. Sprague-Goodman Electronics Inc., Westbury, NY; tel: 516-334-8700; e-mail: info@spraguegoodman.com; Internet: http://www.spraguegoodman.com.

Static Monitors

The static monitors can record ESD events in real time, supplying data for tracking operator efficiency, product reliability, and documentation for ISO 9000 compliance and ANSI/ESD S20.20. The 791W grounds and monitors two dual-conductor wrist straps that plug into two separate remotes. The 791E provides three channels to continuously measure the ground connections of manufacturing equipment and ESD work surfaces. Both monitors come in stainless-steel cases, making them suitable for use in cleanrooms. 3M Electronic and Interconnect Solutions Div., Austin, TX; tel: 800-328-1368; Internet: http://www.3m.com/eisd.

Capacitive Feedthroughs

Capacitive feedthroughs are suitable for eliminating noise and frequency interference in discoidal capacitive filtering applications such as modulators, switches, amplifiers, filters, multifunction assemblies, and other active devices. Using premium glass and proprietary soldering techniques, the single-pin design can be custom manufactured for applications with temperatures up to 300°C. The hermetic feedthroughs meet or exceed MIL-F-28861, and capacitance values range from 5 to 27,000 pF. Kovar matched or compression seals are also available. Thunderline-Z, Hampstead, NH; tel: 603-329-4050; fax: 603-329-4474; e-mail: sales@thunderlinez.com; Internet: http://www.thunderlinez.com.

Circuit Protection Devices

The PolySwitch RHE400 and RHE1500 are resettable devices suitable for protecting equipment from downstream short circuits, overcurrent faults, and other power faults. The radial-leaded devices are offered with hold currents of 4.0 or 15 A, with a maximum fault current of 100 A. The UL-, CSA-, and TÜV-certified devices are available in straight-lead or kinked-lead configurations in bulk packaging, ammo pack, or tape and reel. Tyco Electronics Power Components, Menlo Park, CA; tel: 800-227-7040; fax: 650-361-2508; Internet: http://www.tycopowercomponents.com

Miniature Receptacle

The 8210 receptacle is a combination of a precision machined shell and a stamped three-finger beryllium copper spring contact. The contact accepts mating pins in diameters from 0.008 to 0.013 in. The shell has a 0.012-in.-diam tail. The shell and contact are both gold plated for a long service life. Because the receptacle has an outside diameter of only 0.026 in., it has applications in miniature connectors with grid spacing down to and even less than 0.8 mm. Mill-Max Manufacturing Corp., Oyster Bay, NY; tel: 516-922-6000; fax: 516-922-9253; Internet: http://www.mill-max.com.

Surface-Resistance Test Kit

The meter measures surface resistance, ambient temperature, and relative humidity for test records. Color-coded light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and a digital liquid-crystal display make the meter easy to read. Two 5-lb electrodes are included with the kit. The meter operates on two AA alkaline batteries. A flashing LED warns if the batteries are low. An optional attachment is available for measuring resistivity. Desco, Chino, CA; tel: 909-627-8178; fax: 909-627-7449; Internet: http://www. desco.com.

Thermal Links

Thermal links are offered for TO-5, TO-8, and TO-18 applications, with or without BeO washers and other related hardware. The links provide an effective retainer and efficient thermal path between the semiconductor and the heat sink or chassis. Multiple fingers permit a smooth press-fit installation without any harmful snap action. The link can be installed with a rivet or eyelet, soldered to a pad or heat sink, or mounted with a screw or threaded stud and hex nut. International Electronic Research Corp., Burbank, CA; tel: 818-842-7277; fax: 818-848-8872; Internet: http://www.ctscorp.com.

Ultrathin Capacitors

The PowerStor F–series capacitors use a thin, aluminum foil–polymer laminate package instead of a thicker metal can, resulting in a capacitor that is less than 1 mm thick. The ultrathin capacitor is suitable for space-constrained applications such as PCMCIA cards, handheld devices, and hybrid battery-capacitor packs. The capacitors can be custom designed with high energy density or ultralow equivalent series resistance to meet the specific requirements of the application. Cooper Electronic Technologies, Boynton Beach, FL; tel: 561-752-5000; fax: 561-742-0134; Internet: http://www. cooperet.com.

Carbon Composition Resistors

The CCR series of carbon composition resistors is capable of handling overload voltages of up to 1000 V and energy pulses of up to 35 J. The compact resistors are suitable for applications such as defibrillators and industrial power supplies. The resistors are constructed from a solid rod of conductive carbon ceramic material, the composition of which can be adjusted to produce the required resistance values. International Resistive Company, Inc., Boone, NC; tel: 828-264-8861; fax: 828-264-8866; e-mail: waft-sales@irctt.com; Internet: http://www.irctt.com.

Film Capacitors

The Unlytic UL30 film capacitor offers voltage ratings to 1000 V dc, high performance over an operating temperature range of –55° to 85°C, and a 10-year shelf life. The patented dry-film dielectric construction prevents harmful electrolytic leakage. The capacitor also features nonpolarity for added safety and reliability. The rms rating ranges up to 58 A, and the capacitance ranges up to 1600 µF. An M12 mounting-stud termination is optional. Electronic Concepts Inc., Eatontown, NJ; tel: 732-542-7880; fax: 732-542-0524; e-mail: sales@ ecicaps.com; Internet: http://www. ecicaps.com.

Capacitor Bank

The Seacor AEBank series is an electrolytic capacitor bank suitable for a variety of power applications. Each bank is terminated using low-resistance minimal-inductance copper bus strips, to which optional bleeder resistors may be added. The device can be designed for a variety of mounting configurations and banked to practically any capacitance value. Voltage values range from 10 to 20,000 V, and current values up to 1000 A rms are available. The electrical parameters are matched to specific applications. Electrocube Inc., Monrovia, CA; tel: 626-301-0122; fax: 626-357-8099; e-mail: gloriasnyder@electrocube.com; Internet: http://www.electrocube.com.

Ferrite Planar Cores

Ferrite planar cores enable wire printing directly on a printed circuit board, which can reduce manufacturing costs associated with manual winding, increase reliability, and result in a lower-profile device. The Low Profile E-Core series is available in a range of sizes and designs for use in switch-mode power supplies, industrial power supplies, battery chargers, and telecom applications. The devices are suitable for operation at 100°C and at frequencies between 200 kHz and 1.5 MHz. AVX Corp., Myrtle Beach, SC; tel: 843-946-0414; fax: 843-626-5814; Internet: http://www.avxcorp.com. ¥